Device for dispensing dishwashing detergent into a dishwasher

ABSTRACT

A less malfunction-prone device is provided for dispensing dishwashing detergent into a dishwasher with a cover element ( 1 ) that can be radially pivoted around an eccentrically arranged rotational axis ( 3 ) in order to close or release at least one opening of a reservoir ( 7 ) for accommodating the dishwashing detergent, wherein the cover element ( 1 ) can be adjusted at least in a plane parallel to the opening between a closed position and a released position, and wherein a base element ( 2 ) encompasses the reservoir ( 7 ). This is achieved according to the invention by virtue of the fact that the cover element ( 1 ) can essentially be pivoted inside the cross sectional area of the base element ( 2 ) parallel to the opening and optionally includes a second cover ( 4 ) axially mounted coplanar with said cover element ( 1 ).

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS Not applicable. STATEMENT REGARDING FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH OR DEVELOPMENT

Not applicable.

INCORPORATION-BY-REFERENCE OF MATERIAL SUBMITTED ON COMPACT DISC

Not applicable.

REFERENCE TO A “MICROFICHE APPENDIX”

Not applicable.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

(1) Field of the Invention

The invention relates to a device for dispensing dishwashing detergent into a dishwasher with a cover element (1) that can be radially pivoted around an eccentrically arranged rotational axis (3) in order to seal or release at least one opening in a reservoir (7) for accommodating the dishwashing detergent, wherein the cover element (1) can be adjusted between a closed position in at least one plane parallel to the opening, and wherein a base element (2) encompasses the reservoir. More particularly the invention pertains to a cover element (1) that can be pivoted inside the cross sectional area of a base element (2).

(2) Description of Related Art Including Information Disclosed Under 37 C.F.R. 1.97 and 1.98

Dishwashers are already known to have metering devices in which an intermediate chamber or metering chamber is connected in series to a supply chamber for clear rinses. A double valve plunger here actuates the valve function in the opening between the supply chamber and metering chamber, as well as the outlet of the metering chamber into the washing area of the dishwasher in the opposite direction. This means that, when the electromagnetic valve provided for actuation purposes is energized once, the opening between the supply chamber and metering chamber is opened, and the outlet of the metering chamber is closed.

When switching to the idle state, the metering chamber is then closed relative to the supply chamber, and the outlet is opened, so that the clear rinse flows into the washing area. This arrangement of the two chambers uses the prescribed metering chamber volume to stipulate a fixed metering volume, wherein clear rinse is also supplied to the washing area of the dishwasher every time the electromagnetic coil is energized.

Such metering devices are usually combined with a chamber for accommodating dishwashing detergent. This chamber is opened for supplying the dishwashing detergent into the wash cycle by means of a flap, which is locked in its closed position, and opened under spring pressure after unlocked. To economize on costs, unlocking takes place with the same electromagnetic coil used to meter in the clear rinse.

In order to keep within the programmed sequence of the wash cycle even when adding the corresponding dishwashing detergent or clear rinse, it is here necessary that only the flap of the cleaning chamber be actuated when first energizing the coil, followed by an actuation of the clear rinse metering device only after the coil has been subsequently energized. To this end, commercially available machines use a lever array with a latching mechanism, which latches the actuating lever for the clear rinse during the first energizing action, and actuates the valve for the clear rinse starting only after the second energizing action. Opening the dishwasher door allows gravity to return the latching mechanism to the initial state, so that another rinsing program can be initiated from the very beginning.

Also known already are metering devices for dishwashers in which the sealing cover is not a flap, but a sliding cover that enables a linear movement to a plane parallel to the bordering wall of the liquid cleaner container (see EP 0780 087 B1). In comparison to a metering device with a flap, these prevent the retention area inside the dishwasher from narrowing due to the range of motion to be kept clear for the flap.

However, the disadvantage to the latter devices is that they involve the fabrication of a comparatively complicated and malfunction-prone guiding system for the sliding cover, manifested in particular in a jamming or catching of the sliding cover, and a relatively large metering device.

Also known is a metering device having a pivoting rotational cover (see DE 102 44 678), which pivots around a rotational axis parallel to the casing or door. However, practice has shown, among other things, that the rotational cover is relatively easily impaired during long-term use.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

By contrast, the object of the invention is to propose a less malfunction-prone device for dispensing dishwashing detergent into a dishwasher with a cover element that can be radially pivoted around an eccentrically arranged rotational axis in order to close or release at least one opening of a reservoir for accommodating the dishwashing detergent, wherein the cover element can be adjusted between a closed position and a released position, at least in a plane parallel to the opening, and wherein a base element encompasses the reservoir.

Departing from the prior art of the kind mentioned at the outset, the object of the invention is achieved by a cover element (1) which can essentially be pivoted inside the cross sectional area of the base element (2). Additional advantageous embodiments and further objects of the invention are provided by having the base element (2) have a length (L) of a cross sectional area greater than the width (B) of cross sectional area B, by having a rotational axis (3) disposed approximately in the middle of the length (L) of the cross sectional area by having the rotational axis disposed in the boundary area of the width (B) of the cross sectional area, by having the width (B) of the cross sectional area generally correspond to the radius (R) of the cover element (1) by having the width (B) of the cross sectional area greater than the radius (R) of the cover element (1) by having the distance (A) between the rotational axis (3) and the edge of a cross sectional area (B) or (L) essentially correspond to the radius (R) of the cover element, by having the distance (A) between the rotational axis (3) and the edge of a cross sectional area (B) or (L) be greater than the radius (R) of the cover element (1), by having a fill opening (5) for changing the dishwashing detergent and/or rinsing agent substantially disposed around the rotational axis (3), by designing the rotational axis (3) as a tubular element, by having an opening (5) in the tubular element forming a fill opening, by providing at least two release settings for pivoting in different radial directions, by providing a cover element (1) that can be adjusted partially in the direction of the rotational axis (3), by providing a spring element for opening and/or closing the cover element (1), by designing the base element (2) as a circle, circular section or circular cutout and/or designing the cross sectional area (B) and (L) of the base element (2) in a substantially rectangular configuration.

Accordingly, a metering device according to the invention is characterized in that the cover element can essentially be pivoted within the cross sectional area of the base element. The base element or casing can here perform a protective and/or screening and/or supporting function, so that the rotating cover element can be securely positioned in nearly any location. In special applications, the cover element can conceivably be reliably guided during adjustment by means of a supporting and/or guiding rail or the like. For example, the supporting and/or guiding rail or the like props the cover element at the end region opposite the rotational axis. This permits an especially stable guiding action.

In addition, the base element or casing can be used to effectively prevent a disadvantageous (unintended) engaging from below or behind. Correspondingly, a rotational cover element or device according to the invention is tangibly less malfunction prone by comparison to prior art.

A length of the cross sectional area is advantageously greater than a width of the cross sectional area of the base element. For example, this allows the rotating cover element to at least partially align itself lengthwise in one of the at least two respective end positions. This makes it possible to realize a comparatively space-saving or small embodiment of the invention.

The rotational axis is advantageously situated essentially in the middle of the length of the cross sectional area. This makes it possible to minimize the length, which can result in a particularly space-saving or small embodiment of the invention.

In a preferred variant of the invention, the rotational axis is essentially situated in the boundary area of the width of the cross sectional area. This makes it possible to realize a comparatively space-saving or small variant of the invention.

The width of the cross sectional area advantageously corresponds essentially to the radius of the cover element. This makes it possible to minimize the width of the base element or casing, which can result in a particularly space-saving or small applications of the invention.

The width of the cross sectional area is preferably greater than the radius of the cover element. This makes it possible for the cover element not to project over the contour or cross sectional area of the base section. This yields an advantageous protection of the cover element.

A distance between the rotational axis and one edge of the cross sectional area preferably corresponds essentially to the radius of the cover element and/or the distance between the rotational axis and the edge of the cross sectional area and is greater than the radius of the cover element. This measure can ensure that the rotating area or rotational axis can be sufficiently large or expanded, without the cover element projecting over the contour or cross sectional area of the base section. This can be used for an especially stable suspension or attachment of the rotating cover element.

A fill opening for charging the dishwashing detergent and/or a rinsing agent is preferably situated essentially around the rotational axis. For example, this makes it possible to use a second dishwashing detergent, e.g., a clear rinse, in addition to the cleaner. The clear rinse can be accommodated in particular in a second storage container, which has an outlet that can possibly be opened in a special, in particular second, release position of the cover element and/or by means of a controller, e.g., control coil with valve or the like.

The rotational axis can also be advantageously designed as a tubular element. A tubular element makes it possible to realize an advantageous guiding system for the rotational element. The guiding system can here be optimized in an advantageous manner with a pipe having the largest possible diameter.

A through opening in the tubular element can form a fill opening. This imparts an advantageous multifunctionality to the tubular element, i.e., it acts as both a guiding system and fill element, so that the structural outlay can be reduced. For example, the fill opening is designed to be sealable by means of a stopper, in particular a screwed plug.

At least two release settings varyingly pivoted in the radial direction are preferably provided. For example, this makes it possible to release the first dishwashing detergent in a first release setting, and a second dishwashing detergent or clear rinse, in a second release setting, etc.

In a special further development of the invention, the cross sectional area of the base element is essentially designed as a circle or circular section or circular cutout, or as a rectangle. It has been shown that such devices can be fabricated in an especially simple manner, and/or that the cover element can be screened or protected/supported in the most varied of positions.

The cover element can advantageously be adjusted at least partially in the direction of the rotational axis. This makes it possible to realize an advantageous locking or sealing in an axial direction or largely perpendicular to the plane of the opening.

This yields an improved sealing function for the cover, in particular by means of a possibly elastic sealing element.

In a special further development of the invention, one threaded arrangement is provided for joining the cover element with the base element. In an elegant manner, this threaded arrangement allows both an axial and radial adjustment or pivoting of the cover element relative to the base element. This essentially makes it possible to realize an axial, adjustable sealing of the base element or reservoir in a comparatively simple fashion.

In a special further development of the invention, a display unit is provided for displaying a fill parameter, preferably arranged in the area of the rotational axis.

In an advantageous embodiment, a projecting end that juts out over the cover element in the direction of the rotational axis is provided. The projecting end allows a dishwasher rack or the like to stop against the device according to the invention, advantageously without negatively affecting the twisting or shifting of the cover element. As a result, the projecting end can be designed as a stop element.

In particular, a spring element is provided for opening and/or closing the cover element. The spring element is possibly designed as a leaf spring, flat coil spring, torsion spring, tension spring and/or compression spring, and enables an advantageous adjustment of the cover element.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWING(S)

One exemplary embodiment of the invention is depicted in the drawing, and will be explained in greater detail below based on the figures.

Shown specifically on:

FIGS. 1 a, 1 b, 1 c, 1 d and 1 e are diagrammatic views of a first metering device according to the invention in various aspects and operating positions;

FIGS. 2 a, 2 b, 2 c, 2 d, 2 e and 2 f are diagrammatic views of a second metering device according to the invention in various aspects and operating positions;

FIGS. 3 a, 3 b, 3 c, 3 d and 3 e are diagrammatic views of a third metering device according to the invention in various aspects and operating positions; and

FIGS. 4 a, 4 b, 4 c, 4 d and 4 e are diagrammatic views of a fourth metering device according to the invention in various aspects and operating positions.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION INCLUDING BEST MODE

A device according to the invention on FIG. 1 to 4 has a rotating cover 1 and a base section 2 or lower section 2 or casing section 2. The cover 1 turns around a rotational axis 3.

Provided in the area of the rotational axis 3 is a sealing cover 4, which is connected with the cover 1, e.g., by screwing or plugging, and can be filled into a clear rinse container (not shown in any greater detail) via the clear rinse. The clear rinse can pass through a clear rinse opening 5 and get inside the dishwasher. FIG. 1 e, 2 e, 2 f, 3 e, 4 e or 4 f show the sealing cover 4 in an open position.

A dishwashing detergent can be accommodated in a reservoir 7. The reservoir is filled in the release position of the cover 1 according to FIG. 1 a, 1 c, 1 e, 2 a, 2 c, 2 e, 3 a, 3 d, 3 e, 4 a, 4 e or 4 f. Afterwards or before the dishwasher starts, the cover 3 is in general moved to the sealed position according to FIG. 1 b, 1 d, 2 b, 2 d, 2 f, 3 b, 3 c, 4 b or 4 d, or rotated around the rotational axis 3, so that the reservoir 7 is sealed.

For example, a coil or the like and an advantageous spring is used to open the reservoir 7 or pivot the cover 3 into the released position in a manner not shown in any greater detail, e.g., during the operation of the dishwasher.

In addition, a display 8 or inspection window 8 are provided to monitor the (minimum) fill level of the clear rinse container, which is not shown in greater detail.

Further, the device according to the invention encompasses a stop 9 for stopping the rotating cover 1 and/or a stop 10 for stopping a dishwasher rack, which is not shown in greater detail, or protecting the device or cover 1 against impact by the dishwasher rack, which is not shown in greater detail.

The individual figures illustrate a distance A of the rotational axis 3 from an edge of the cross sectional area, along with a length L, a width B of the base element 2, and a radius R of the cover 1. 

1. A device for dispensing dishwashing detergent into a dishwasher with a cover element (1) that can be radially pivoted around an eccentrically arranged rotational axis (3) in order to seal or release at least one opening in a reservoir (7) for accommodating the dishwashing detergent, wherein the cover element (1) can be adjusted between a closed position and released position in at least one plane parallel to the opening, and wherein a base element (2) encompasses the reservoir (7) wherein the improvement comprises a cover element (1) substantially pivotable inside a cross sectional area of the base element (2).
 2. The device according to claim 1 wherein the cross sectional area of the base element (2) is of a rectangular configuration with a length (L).
 3. The metering device according to claim 1 wherein the rotational axis (3) is arranged substantially in the middle of the length (L) of the cross sectional area.
 4. The metering device according claim 2 wherein the rotational axis (3) is substantially arranged in the boundary area of the width (B) of the cross sectional area.
 5. The metering device according claim 2 wherein the width (B) of the cross section area essentially corresponds to the radius (R) of the cover element (1).
 6. The metering device according claim 2 wherein the width (B) of the cross sectional area is greater than the radius (R) of the cover element (1)
 7. The metering device according to claim 1 or 2 wherein a distance (A) between the rotational axis (3) and an edge of the cross sectional area substantially corresponds to the radius (R) of the cover element (1).
 8. The metering device according to claim 1 or 2 wherein the distance (A) between the rotational axis (3) and the edge of the cross sectional area is greater than the radius (R) of the cover element (1).
 9. The device according to claim 1 or 2 further comprising a fill opening (5) for charging the dishwashing detergent and/or a rinsing agent is substantially disposed around the rotational axis (3).
 10. The device according to claim 1 or 2 wherein the rotational axis (3) is designed as a tubular element.
 11. The device according to claim 1 or 2 further comprising a fill opening (5) in the form of a tubular element.
 12. The device according to claim 1 or 2 wherein at least two release settings are provided in different pivotable positions in the radial direction.
 13. The device according to claim 1 or 2 wherein the cover element (1) can be adjusted at least partially in the direction of the rotational axis (3).
 14. The device according claim 1 or 2 further comprising a spring element for opening and/or closing the cover element (1).
 15. The device according to claim 1 wherein the cross sectional area of the base element (2) is substantially designed as a circle or circular section or circular cutout.
 16. (canceled)
 17. A device for dispensing a washing agent comprising: (a) a base section (2) having at least one reservoir (7) for receiving a washing agent; (b) a pivotable first cover axially pivotable to said base section (2) and radially pivotable to selectably cover said at least one reservoir (7); (c) a second cover (4) mounted coaxially to said pivotable first cover; and (d) a fill opening (5) disposed in axial alignment with said second cover and said pivotable first cover.
 18. The device of claim 17 further comprising an inspection window (8).
 19. The device of claim 18 wherein said inspection window (8) is mounted radially to said pivotable first cover and is selectively opened when said at least one reservoir is selectively closed.
 20. A detergent dispensing device having a pivotable cover element (1) pivotable to a base element (2) having at least one reservoir (7) for accommodating a detergent wherein the pivotable cover element can pivot to selectively seal said at least one reservoir (7) wherein the improvement comprises a second cover (4) mounted coaxially to said pivotable cover element (1).
 21. The detergent dispensing device of claim 20 further comprising a fill opening (5) in axial alignment with said second cover (4). 